When Zoe Saldana was cast as jazz singer Nina Simone in the upcoming biopic Nina, some wondered how believable the petite actress, who is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, could be as the curvy, dark skinned singing legend.

Critics, including Simone’s own daughter, have spoken out against the casting choice. “My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark,” Lisa Simone Kelly said in an interview with The New York Times. “Appearance-wise this is not the best choice.”

Now, new photos from the set of the biopic show Saldana’s transformation, which includes a prosthetic nose, skin-darkening makeup, and a wardrobe by French costume designer Magali Guidasci. See another pic after the jump and tell us: Does Saldana make a convincing Simone?